[Rothman]

I am experimenting with using a great stuff background for my Halmahera enclosure and am wondering if I really need to use silicone? The Great Stuff is very sticky and when the peat is put on it while it's drying it sticks very nicely. Do I really need to use silicone or does the silicone seal something harmful away?

[RFB2]

I have tried both methods. I feel that adding silicone works best. Great stuff by itself has worked, but for me it has not lasted long. The silicone method seems to be the best route to take.

Good luck,
Rob

[Rothman]

So using just the great stuff is as safe as adding the silicone? Does the silicone just create a better bond and make the peat stick better? I just wanted to double check. Thanks for the help. This has been bothering me for quite a while.

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The silicone binds the peat better .

[RFB2]

I assume you mean if it will hold the peat safely? The answer is yes, but not that well. The silicone holds everything much better. Without it your brown background will slowly start to turn yellow like the great stuff. The peat falls off over time, not so much with silicone. If you are going to take the time to make a background use the silicone so it last. Do a small section at a time. Spreading the silicone is a pain, but it is worth it.

[spykerherps]

yes yes silicone is the best to help the coco fiber adhere. almost all my display tanks are done this way.

[Salzy]

I'd use the silicone, for the same reasons the others have suggested.

Be sure to use a dark color of silicone when you do. Blacks and browns work the best, so that you don't have any of the Great Stuff color showing through. I use latex gloves then to spread it, which works out quite well. I've also used popsicle sticks to help spread it around, and then firmly press peat moss into it. You can't really press on the Great Stuff as it's drying, or you will ruin it's structure.

[spykerherps]

also this way you can let the grate stuff dry and cut it and shape it to your liking then silicone coco fiber it.

[reddmann]

I saw one guy that makes a lot of these backgrounds on you tube. He mixes mod podge glue with water in a water bottle an just sprays it on. He sprinkles a little sand on top also to give texture and then lightly sands it to take some of the gloss out. Also does anyone know if the minwax polycrylic water based sealer is safe? I saw it in a spray can. If this is safe it would be very easy to just spray on.

[josh_r]

try using gorilla glue. you would be really surprised at how well it works and it puts the thickest and most natural coating i have seen yet. works really well.